here are 2 pics, taken with my phone. Is this considered a lot of air bubbles? there are more around, but the camera didnt get em all, but this is how the entire bottom of my res looks. A few of the bubbles were big.

I wouldnt worry too much about bubbles in the res. Chances are they wont get sucked into the system. You tilted your case while the loop is running to get the air bubbles out of the tubing & blocks correct?

If you get to a point where you have no other ideas pull the gpu out of the loop and note any change.At this point you are looking for a starting point,sort of looking for a point where things are like they should be.I am sure you can figure out on you own how to maintain video with that paticular gpu out of the loop.

Tilt your case both ways you described, just watch the water line, make sure it doesn't drop below where water is pulled into your pump.

If that doesn't work ie no air in the loop dismantle your block and clean it. Soapy waters fine, just rinse with distilled or de ionised water thoroughly after. Might wanna flush your rad while your at it.